Of course I know we’re in late July, but I also know hunting season opens in less than 40 days. That very thought led me to realize that the 2013 hunting season is quickly approaching, and it’s time to get prepared.

It seems each year passes by so fast and just as one season ends, the next begins. In the Arkansas River Valley we have been blessed with a tremendous 2013 so far and if the fishing season and the cool spring were any indication of things to come, the fall hunting season may be our best ever.

Record numbers of deer were taken in 2012 and Russellville hosted its first “urban hunt,” which by all accounts was a success. For the second straight year the statewide archery hunt will begin on Sept. 15, and many hunters are actively scouting and practicing as we speak.

Hunters throughout the River Valley usually start fairly early practicing their shooting skills and fine-tuning their bows. Bow season in Arkansas is one of the most rapidly growing hunting seasons, with more and more people becoming involved each year.

Despite the hot and dry conditions of the past few weeks, many hunters have already began preparing food plots and feeding game in anticipation of this year’s hunt.

Food plots for deer have become a major necessity as they not only attract game to your hunting spot, but they also attract game to a certain area or region.

Hunting and game management has taken a big step forward over the last few years with more and more hunters managing their wildlife.

Game cameras have become a partner and a tool for many hunters who enjoy seeing their game almost as much as they do harvesting it. Game cameras will definitely give you a good picture of the inhabitants of your food plot, also increase your anticipation level and have you looking forward to fall.

Since putting out my first camera more than 10 years ago, I have enjoyed all the incredible pictures and images of every kind of wildlife imaginable. I anticipate and look forward to viewing my pictures almost as much as I do actually hunting.

Dove season, though, is the event that marks the beginning of the hunting season in Arkansas and attracts a good number of hunters for at least opening weekend. But for the majority of folks, it’s an excuse to get in the field and do a little shooting and spend some quality time simply enjoying the great outdoors. Heat will still be a problem in early September, but most hunters can’t wait to get out and get a little shooting in.

There does seem to be some birds already in the area, but keeping them here until the season opens has always been a challenge. If the temperatures remain as hot as they are now, most dove hunts will consist of a few hours each morning.

A lot of times dove hunters spend more time shooting skeet than they do shooting at doves, which could be because they are a lot easier to hit than doves darting across the field. But the real fun is when there are a good number of doves in the region. That’s when you’ll get a test of your true shooting abilities.

There are some folks who are passionate about hunting doves and spend lots of time hunting birds during the month of September. Doves definitely test a shooters skill and are a lot of fun when they are coming in large numbers. Last year’s hunt was one of the better ones in recent years, and the outlook for this year is good as well.

Other seasons opening next month include crow, rabbit and coyote season, which all run through February.

Squirrel season has almost become a year around season, but there are a few months that they are off limits. It should be a better year for the state’s squirrel hunter as this spring was cool and wet leading many to believe we should have a good acorn crop this fall.

Hunting season is definitely a few weeks away, but a little time spent getting ready now will leave a lot more time for actual hunting when your favorite season arrives.